Don’t you just love a good book? I know I do.
Today, I want to share one of my fashion favorites – Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia. Nina was a fashion director for Elle Magazine for many years. Her book aims to help you gain style confidence while giving pro level style tips and tricks.
“Confidence is captivating, it is powerful, and it does not fade–and that is endlessly more interesting than beauty.
When a woman embraces her “imperfections,’ they can become her greatest strengths, definers of her character and spirit. When she plays up her weaknesses and draws you to her flaws, she makes them special, attractive and even enviable.” – Nina Garcia
There’s one tip she gives on editing your closet that I had to share: your closet should only contain amazing choices! It’s easier to be inspired when you see 5 pieces that are all remarkable than 25 items that are all unremarkable.
So, pick out those key items that are fabulous and get rid of the rest.
She also gives her list of 10 classic wardrobe staples that will stand the test of time:
- Black (or grey or navy) dress
- Classic white or cream shirt
- Cashmere cardigan or turtleneck
- Trench coat
- Denim (perfectly fitting jeans)
- Classic mens style watch (or even a Fitbit or Apple watch)
- Diamonds
- Ballet flats
- Classic pump (doesn’t have to be high heels!)
- A great bag
Don’t forget fun statement pieces that will round out your basics and add personality to your wardrobe! Things like an oversized cocktail ring, killer shoes, “knock-em dead” cocktail dress or an exotic bag can really add a special touch to an outfit.
And play with accessories, because they can transform your look without having to make big investments in new pieces!
I think the most valuable item a woman should have is not . . .a piece of clothing, it’s an accessory. Women these days are so busy that they do not have time to change their clothes . . .or completely revamp their closets with all of the latest trends. With just a quick switch of a handbag or a pair of shoes you can instantly change your look and mood. –Donatella Versace
If you want to read this book for yourself and read more tips from Nina, you can pick up a copy here.
Now, let’s get real. Just because a fashion editor tells you these are the absolute must have items. Does this mean you absolutely NEED all these pieces in your closet? NOPE.
Before you go on a shopping binge, take a second to think about your personality and lifestyle. Do you hate flats and prefer a little lift?
Don’t bother with the ballet flats.
If you get too hot for cashmere or turtlenecks aren’t your style – no need to force it!
These are all fabulous suggestions – only if they work for you. That is what personal style is all about!
Happy Styling!
Please Share: Which of these items DOES NOT fit your style profile.
Need extra support? If you still need help deciding what styles work for you and want to take this a level deeper I’d love to help you get style confident! Reserve your complimentary Style Clarity + Confidence Session HERE
I think your list only applies to women who want the Audrey Hepburn look, or to fit in at an event on Philadelphia’s Main Line. As the earth mother type, I wear a lot of long full skirts, wide-legged pants, and sweaters – nothing in that list would fit in my lifestyle. However, I’m actually offended that someone suggests diamonds (or any precious metal) as part of a basic wardrobe. Surely her audience isn’t 100% women who can drop thousands on jewelry to create a look? My mother, who lived that look and had a 6-figure income never wore precious stones, not even in an engagement ring. Even leaving out the moral questions surrounding most diamond mines, they are a terrible investment. Women should be buying stocks, not gems.
Style is a matter of preference. These pieces are more classic, but are very versatile. As mentioned above try what resonates with you and leave the rest.
It is a choice. Diamonds and other gems have healing energetic properties, as well as being beautiful. Some people can have both diamonds and stocks, some people can have neither, it’s a fashion blog!
So true. My mom wears a special gem that balances out ions and finds it very helpful!
I’m going to agree with you on the types of clothes – the basic wardrobe above is basic, it seems, for one type of working woman. It would be good to do a post on diff types of women’s BASICS. I rarely see that addressed.
I vote for a work-from-home-designer Basics list. It would go like this: 1. black leggings 2. Black Tshirt 3. Soft sweatshirt 4. Good loafers 5. Hair clip/scrunchie and DONE! LOL- ok just kidding. Now you can see why I’m on this blog. Need a style elevation please!
Sidenote – cubic-z costs next to nothing & no mines. Precious metals aren’t hundreds if you opt for a coated option- less than $25. Shop to your income level. Or, just switch to pearls/faux pearls which is actually my basic of choice. (they pop on dark hair). (For me #6 struck me as odd and random. I and all of my friend’s haven’t worn a watch in 5 yrs?)
I love your work from home basics. I work from home but love wearing a trench coat over leggings with flats when I jet out the door to grab my kids! Loafers are def a style staple! No one wears a watch anymore – unless it’s an apple watch. I wear a Fitbit because I want don’t want to have to reach for my phone to know the time or date. I’ve seen some very chic bands for these types of watches that make them look more like accessories. 🙂
Thank you, Shannon! This video was very helpful. Thanks for the handbag recommendations. I will definitely consider one or more of those. And, trench coat was a new great idea for me. Will look for one to purchase.